Ford CEO, Jim Farley, kicks off the 4th season of his “Drive” podcast with Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias. They discuss a variety of topics that include performing live comedy shows, personal vulnerability, and Fluffy’s future VW Bus museum. One topic caught our ear more than others. Fluffy used to own an original Ford Excursion, and Jim Farley asks him “should we bring the Excursion back?” Fluffy answers, yes, and has a further request. Here’s what happened.
Fluffy suggests that if the Excursion comes back that it should be a hybrid in order to make its fuel efficiency “normal” with significantly higher mpg than that of the original.
This is an interesting development in the world of trucks and SUVs. The original Excursion was based on the original Ford Super Duty pickup truck. We used to own an original Excursion with a V10 gas engine. Many people say that the Excursion should come back. These could be the same people who want an HD Chevy Suburban to come back.
The want has to do with an ability to comfortably transport up to nine people and/or tow a heavy boat or camping trailer. The heavy-duty truck-based SUVs would be at home while carrying massive payloads or towing large trailers.
Ford renewed its “Excursion” trademark back in 2020 and still owns this name and brand for use with motor vehicles.
It’s interesting that Fluffy brings up a hybrid powertrain. Ford has seen big sales success with their F-150 PowerBoost hybrid as well as the Ford Maverick hybrid compact pickup. There are rumors that a Super Duty hybrid may be under development. It could combine a gasoline V8 engine with an electric motor and a smallish high-voltage battery. This would allow it more torque, power, efficiency, and power export capability.
If so, why not also make a new Ford Excursion with the same powertrain? Hmm… What do you think? Let us know in the comments below. Are you interested in the next-generation Ford Excursion or has the time simply moved on?
